Annapurna Circuit – Thorang La Pass Trekking

17 Days

Main Highlights:

‘adventure around scenic north and south sides of massive Annapurna Himalaya’

“Constant views of both scenic high faces of Annapurna massive mountain range Annapurna circuit trek one of world top ten beautiful adventure destinations Walk of variations from low warm to cooler hills and at arctic zone of ice, glaciers Adventure within magnificent Manang valley enclosed within high snow peaks Traverse from Manang to scenic Mustang area crossing high Thorang-la Pass Journey from high mountains to world deepest gorge of Kali-Gandaki River”

At a Glance

Destination

Nepal

Accomodation

Hotels and Local lodge

Trip Difficulty

Difficult

Max Altitude

5,416 m and 17,873 ft

Max People

14

Duratiton

17 Days

Activities

Tour and Trek

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Vehicle

Private Car

Kathmandu – Syange Village-  Mustang

Brief trip Profile:

  • Hotels in Kathmandu / Pokhara with local lodge on trekking.
  • Moderate and Adventurous walks.
  • On top Thorang-la Pass 5,416 m / 17,873 ft high.
  • Minimum 4 hrs with Maximum of 6 hrs sometimes
  • Guided tour, overland journey and scenic trekking.
  • 12 Nights and 13 Days (with drive both ways)
  • 16 Nights and 17 Days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu)
Emily

I recently had the pleasure of experiencing an unforgettable vacation, thanks to the exceptional services provided by seven peaks. From the moment I started planning my trip to the very last day of my journey

Michael

During the trip itself, every aspect was carefully curated to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

john

My journey with them was truly a dream come true, and I look forward to entrusting them with my future travel adventures.

Cost Includes:

  • One registered and well experienced trekking guide for Annapurna Circuit Trek.
  • 1 Assistant guide to take care of clients and porters if the group size is more than 6 pax.
  • 1 Sharing porter between 2 trekkers (weight limit 25kg)
  • 1 Night deluxe room in 3-star category hotel in Pokhara with breakfast on double occupancy basis.
  • 3 Times meals daily: lunch, breakfast and dinner during the trek.
  • Trekking lodge accommodation in twin sharing basis.
  • Tea, coffee, cookies and fresh fruits are served during the trek.
  • Kathmandu to Besisahar by local bus and connecting jeep to Jagat from Besi sahar.
  • Tourist bus: Pokhara to Kathmandu and taxi transfer to bus station.
  • Salary, food, accommodation and insurance of your guide and porters.
  • TIMS Card, ACAP entrance permit.
  • Government tax, vat and office service charges.

Cost Excludes:

  • Airport transfers, meals, guided sightseeing in Kathmandu.
  • Meals except one breakfast and transportation in Pokhara
  • All bar bills, beverages such as coke, fanta, mineral water
  • Hot shower, hot water during the trek.
  • Personal travel insurance, laundry service, phone calls and internet.
  • Rescue operation charge in case of emergency.
  • Advance deposit transfer fee to book your trip
  • Gratitude and tips for your guide and porter.

Itinerary

On arrival at Nepal international airport in Kathmandu, where Professional Trekking Guide staff receives with warm welcome and then transfer to your hotel in the hub of Kathmandu.

On checking your rooms getting refreshed then join in at hotel foyer / lobby meeting with other members of the trek, where our guide will brief you with information regarding Annapurna Circuit and Thorang-la Pass Trekking.

Evening group welcome dinner in a nice Nepalese environment restaurant with native folk culture programs along with the dinner.

A free day in Kathmandu you can enjoy at leisure as well preparation for the trek, on this day interested people can join in our exciting guided sightseeing tour for half or full day tour at places of great interest around World Heritage Sites.

Morning after early breakfast taking a charted bus or tourist coach (depending upon the group size) for drive to reach Mid-West area of Nepal at Lamjung district in Besisar a large town of Lamjung area.

From here on the dirt newly built road following Marysangdi River upstream to reach at Syange a small farm village with views of waterfalls for overnight stop.

Our fist day starts with climb on leaving Marysangdi River down below, as route leads through rice terraces fields and villages to reach at another nice farm village of Jagat.

From Jagat village walk leads further on winding uphill to a lovely valley of Tal-besi where district of Manang starts, with time for a refreshing break walk further for few hours to reach at Dharapani village for overnight stop, Dharapani a nice village situated on the junction of Annapurna circuit and Manaslu trekking trail.

Start second day walk from Dharapani following a winding wide trail within rhododendron and pine forest heading past Bagachap and Danque villages with steep climb to Timang, from here onward into Buddhist country with interesting cultures along with views of Mt. Manaslu.

Afternoon walk leads to Koto village and then at Chame town for overnight stop, within a major and also a headquarter town of Manang area.

From here onwards air gets much cooler as route lead closer to mountainous area as walk lead into dense rhododendron and pine trees following Masrsyangdi River upstream with ups and down hills to Bhratang village.

From Bhratang village climb into a hill covered within tall trees of pine to a hill top at Dhukure Pokhari, a small place with some tea-house and lodge facing views of Chulus and Pisang peak, after lunch descend to lower Pisang village for overnight stop.

Pisang village offers great views of mountains, from here altitude gains slowly as walk heads into cool forest with short climb to reach a high ridge offers view of Annapurna II and III, Gangapurna with Chulus, Pisang peak.

From here descend to a flat valley at Hongde village, and then on a nice scenic trail, from here onward tree lines disappear for barren and arid landscapes with cold, dry arctic climate.

Before Manang, visit old Braga monastery with old Buddhist relics, ancient wall painting and frescos and stunning views of Annapurna Himalaya, from here an hour walk reaches at Manang village.

An important rest day for acclimatization before heading higher altitude to reach high Thorang-la pass, at Manang take a short hike and explore Manang village and its scenic valley.

Manang a large village situated on windswept valley at the bank of Marysangdi River beneath Annapurna and Gangapurna mountain range, a nice walk uphill for views of Gangapurna Glacier and the Manang emerald Lake.

After a pleasant and interesting time at Manang, morning walk towards Ghunsang village on winding uphill path to reach Yak Kharka, an interesting high altitude walks along with snow-capped mountain views, as route leads to cross a small stream river to end our morning walk at Yak Kharka.

A small settlement offer close views of Gangapurna, Annapurna III and Chulu Peaks where Yak Kharka means a place for Yak and grazing field or a pasture.

From here heading towards higher ground getting closer to reach at the base of Thorang-la, where slow a climb after crossing a river and walk along on the bank of Jarjung River.

Finally reaching at the base of Thorang-la at Phedi means bottom of a pass or a hill, where steep climb for short hour reached you at Thorang High Camp for overnight stop.

Today walk leads to our highest point of the adventure and a Big Day!, after early breakfast where long climb reaches you on top Thorang-la after walking on steep trail to Thorang La Pass at above 5,416 m high.

From this highest spot offers magnificent vista of landscapes with snowcapped peaks, from here a long descend to Muktinath for overnight stop, a holy place for both Hindus and Buddhists the word Muktinath means ‘a place for Nirvana or Liberation’.

From Muktinath taking a day break of the walk where motorable has reached Lower Mustang area at Muktinath and Jomsom (head quarter town of Mustang district).

Where journey takes you for few hour drives down at Kaligandaki River Valley and past large town of Jomsom to reach back into forested area of Kalapani and Lete to enter a low valley of Kaligandaki, listed as world deepest gorge in between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains.

As scenic drive ends reaching around low warmer area to Tatopani village for overnight stop, the village means Hot-Water a place with natural hot-spring where one can relax and refresh at leisure in warm pools.

After refreshing time at Tatopani village and enjoying hot pools, morning walk continues to cross over a suspension bridge above Kaligandaki River, and soon takes you over a high hill with steep climb to reach a terraced hillside villages, and on gradual path to reach at Chitre village.

From here an hour climb reaches you at Ghorepani Deurali a village with fantastic views of world’s 07th high Mt. Dhaulagiri with range of peaks towards North West, view includes Annapurna South and Vara-Shikar also known Annapurna Fang.

Ghorepani located within lovely forest surrounding of rhododendron and pine trees with cooler air and views of peaks.

Early morning an hour hike up to Poon-Hill located above 3,210 m high, offers stunning sunrise views over Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Manaslu to Annapurna and as far to Ganesh Himal in the far eastern horizon includes views of Mt. Machhapuchare “The Fish Tail”.

Enjoying amazing panorama of mountains with sunrise downhill to Ghorepani for breakfast and continue walk with long descend to reach Tirkhedhunga after walking past Ulleri village, a nice village Tirkhedhunga with lovely waterfalls next to overnight lodge.

From Tirkhedhunga, last day walk of the adventure as route heads down towards much warmer low area, walking through farm villages to reach nice village of Bhirethati, from here short walk to Nayapul where our walk completes with exciting and scenic drive of few hours to Pokhara for the overnight stop by the serene Lake Phewa.

On leaving hotel in Pokhara after breakfast for exciting drive to reach back at Kathmandu where ride follows on same interesting road to Kathmandu and then back at your hotels, with afternoon free to enjoy personal and individual activities and shopping.

(Options for scenic flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu of 30 minutes)

Final and last day in the country of Himalaya wonder of interesting cultures, after a memorable time and experience on Annapurna Circuit and Thorang-La Pass trekking, as per your time for your international flight our staff and guide transfer you to airport for flight homeward bound or to your next port of call.

Annapurna Circuit – Thorang La Pass Trekking

Explore. Trek. Thrive. Book your adventure now!

Trip Detail:

Best Seasons for Annapurna Circuit and Thorang-La Pass Trekking:

March to May with September to early December months of the year, except wet monsoon months of mid June to mid September when days are cloudy that obstructs views of mountains.

But very green with lush vegetations (not recommended during monsoon wet months unless for botanical people to study flora and fauna)

Best time is from March to May when most of day is clear for views and pleasant walks with moderate temperatures, with longer sunlight hours where wild flowers are in blooming times, especially rhododendron of various species from trees to bush of different colored flowers (national flower of Nepal the rhododendron).

March to May in late afternoon can get cloudy with chances of rain and snow in higher altitude.

September to December around autumn /fall and pre winter best times with clear blue sky and sunny days (for short while from morning to mid day) can be cold and freezing during morning and night times above 1,800 m high.

Sunlight hours are short during autumn and winter seasons but most of the morning till late afternoon are clear for views and pleasant walks.

Late and early winter from mid December to February heavy snow-fall might obstructs to cross over Thorang-la and also tough walks to reach Manang valley.

People and Culture:

Low warm farm areas of Nepal Mid West are of mixed ethnic tribes of people with mostly Gurung, Magar with some Tamang including Hindu Brahmin, Chettries and Dalits with various cultures and custom with same farm traditional life of both Hindu and Buddhism religion.

Higher Manang Valley populated by Manang ethnic tribes of Northern Annapurna follows Buddhism religion similar culture to Tibetans with colorful impressive custom and traditions, beyond Manang around Kaligandaki within Mustang area inhabited by Thakali.

A tribe of Lower Mustang and of Kaligandaki River Valley of Buddhism religion and cultures, and above Ghorepani other high and mid hills inhabited by Poon / Magar and Gurung people of both Hindu and Buddhism religions.

Gurung are hill tribe of Annapurna Himalaya range and of Nepal Mid-West practice Buddhism religion along with ancient sect of Bon (pre Buddhism) worshipping nature and natural spirits.

Poon / Magar and Gurung are traditional farmers and cattle herders where most men folk are famous as courageous and brave Gorkha soldiers in British, Indian Army and as well in Singapore police infantry.

Introduction:

Annapurna Circuit and Thorang-La Pass Trekking a great scenic journey listed as world Top Ten Adventure Destinations by many popular Travel Guide books and magazines.

Certainly trekkers will witness and experience on this beautiful walks from low warm country to cooler hills and at arctic zone of ice and glaciers around high Manang valley and on top Thorang-la pass.

Annapurna Circuit and Thorang-La Pass certainly amazes trekkers from the beginning to an end of the journey with mind-blowing views of country beautiful landscapes with range of snow capped peaks.

Besides magnificent scenery walk leads you through nice and lovely villages where you can find great variations of culture, religions and traditions of farm life as altitude gain reaching within more Buddhism country around high and scenic Manang valley.

Starts with long and interesting drive to Nepal Mid West around Lamjung district and at the town of Besisar, where adventure further follows with climb towards cooler hills within nice farm villages facing views of snow capped peaks.

Journey continues walking into serene rhododendron and pine forest to reach at Chame town within Manang area, as route leads to climb to enter scenic valley of Manang from Pisang village onwards adorned with Buddhism prayer monuments surrounded by array of peaks.

Walking leads into main Manang village with time to explore around on rest day with acclimatization hike to view-points close to Gangapurna Himal Ice-Fall with super panorama of Chulus and Annapurna peaks.

Enjoying great moments at Manang village interwoven with lovely Buddhism religion where houses are built similar to Tibetan design along with traditional interesting custom and culture.

After Manang heading towards end of Manang valley with strenuous climb of the adventure to reach on top the highest point at Thorang-La pass above 5,416 m facing amazing mountain views and scenery.

Slowly walk leads towards Kaligandaki to reach Lower Mustang area at Muktinath a holy pilgrimage spot for Hindu religion and as well for some Buddhist followers, from journey heads into world deepest gorge of Kaligandaki sandwiched between giant Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountains.

As journey progress loosing elevation to reach warmer farm areas at Tatopani village, a nice village with natural hot spring where trekkers can enjoy soaking into warm pools.

Adventure then heads uphill back into cooler area at Ghorepani in the midst of beautiful rhododendron forest where side hike takes you on top at Poon Hill for glorious sunrise over range of Himalayan peaks.

Finally walk comes to an end heading much lower altitude where short exciting drive takes you at beautiful Pokhara, a renowned touristic city located on the laps of massive Annapurna Mountains that reflects on its serene Phewa Lake.

A marvelous way to conclude our remarkable adventure on nice and scenic city at Pokhara, after a great adventure and experience on Annapurna Circuit and Thorang-La pass trekking.

What is the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a renowned hiking trail in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It is famous for its diverse landscapes, stunning mountain views, rich cultural heritage, and challenging yet rewarding trekking experience.

How long does it take to complete the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

The duration of the Annapurna Circuit Trek typically ranges from 12 to 21 days, depending on the starting point, itinerary, and pace of the trekker. It covers approximately 160–230 kilometers (100–145 miles) in total.

What is the best time of year to do the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

The best time to do the Annapurna Circuit Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer stable weather, clear skies, and moderate temperatures, making trekking conditions favorable.

What are the highlights of the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Highlights of the Annapurna Circuit Trek include panoramic views of Annapurna Massif, Thorong La Pass (the highest point on the trek at 5,416 meters), diverse landscapes ranging from lush forests to arid valleys, encounters with local culture and traditions of Gurung, Thakali, and Manangba communities, and natural hot springs in Tatopani.

Is the Annapurna Circuit Trek suitable for beginners?

While the Annapurna Circuit Trek is considered challenging due to its high altitude and duration, it is suitable for trekkers with moderate fitness levels and some hiking experience. Proper acclimatization, physical preparation, and a gradual ascent are essential for a successful trek.

What permits are required for the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Trekkers need to obtain the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card to trek in the Annapurna region. These permits can be obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara before starting the trek.

What is the accommodation and food like along the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

Accommodation along the Annapurna Circuit Trek ranges from basic teahouses and guesthouses to more comfortable lodges in popular trekking villages. These accommodations offer simple but sufficient amenities such as beds, blankets, and shared bathroom facilities. Meals typically consist of Nepali and international dishes, with options for vegetarians and non-vegetarians.

How do I prepare for the altitude on the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

To prepare for the altitude on the Annapurna Circuit Trek, it's essential to engage in regular physical exercise, including cardiovascular workouts and strength training. Gradual acclimatization is crucial during the trek, with rest days included in the itinerary. Drinking plenty of water, avoiding alcohol, and listening to your body are also important.

Are there any safety concerns on the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

While the Annapurna Circuit Trek is generally safe, trekkers should be aware of potential risks such as altitude sickness, unpredictable weather, avalanches, and landslides. It's essential to trek with a knowledgeable guide, adhere to safety guidelines, and be prepared for emergencies with proper gear and travel insurance.

Can I do the Annapurna Circuit Trek independently or do I need a guide?

While it is possible to do the Annapurna Circuit Trek independently, hiring a licensed guide is highly recommended, especially for inexperienced trekkers or those unfamiliar with the area. A guide provides navigation assistance, cultural insights, and ensures safety throughout the trek.